Change with Ecological Awareness: Young People Taking Action for a Sustainable Future

The Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange project "Change with Ecological Awareness" (Project No. 2025-3-ES02-KA152-YOU-000368105) was held in Alcobendas, Spain, from 29 March to 4 April 2026, under the coordination of Asociación Green Eurosanse. Bringing together young participants from Spain, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Türkiye, and Estonia, the project aimed to increase environmental awareness, promote sustainable lifestyles, and encourage young people to take an active role in building a greener future through non-formal education and international cooperation.

Throughout the project, participants from different cultural backgrounds exchanged knowledge, experiences, and ideas about the causes of environmental problems and possible solutions. In addition to expanding their understanding of environmental sustainability, they strengthened their active citizenship, teamwork, leadership, and intercultural communication skills by working collaboratively in an international learning environment.

The main objective of the project was to raise ecological awareness among young people, encourage environmentally friendly lifestyles, and promote concrete behavioral changes towards sustainability. To achieve this goal, participants explored some of today's most important environmental topics, including zero waste, ecological footprint, water footprint, and sustainable urban living through workshops, discussions, simulations, and practical group activities.

Through a variety of non-formal education methods, participants analyzed their own consumption habits by calculating their ecological footprints and evaluating the environmental impact of their daily choices. Creative and environmentally friendly solutions were developed during the design of Zero Waste Kits using recyclable materials, while participants also collaborated on a "Zero Waste Manifesto," expressing their commitment to responsible consumption and waste-free living through a collective declaration.

As part of the sustainable urban living theme, young people participated in collaborative workshops focused on designing the green cities of the future. Together, they developed sustainable city models featuring green spaces, renewable energy solutions, environmentally friendly transportation systems, and eco-conscious living areas, demonstrating how innovation and cooperation can contribute to more sustainable communities.

Another important focus of the project was water conservation. Participants explored the concept of the water footprint and discovered the hidden water consumption behind everyday products and activities. Presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises addressing global water crises, drought, and equitable access to water resources increased their awareness of environmental challenges affecting communities around the world and highlighted the importance of responsible resource management.

At the conclusion of the youth exchange, participants created social media campaigns, short videos, blog articles, and informative visual materials to disseminate the knowledge and experiences gained throughout the project. These dissemination activities extended the project's impact beyond the exchange itself, encouraging young people to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices within their local communities.

The "Change with Ecological Awareness" project contributed not only to the development of environmentally conscious and responsible young people but also to the establishment of lasting international partnerships and friendships among participants from different countries. In line with the core values of the Erasmus+ Programme, the project demonstrated once again that international cooperation, environmental education, and active youth participation are powerful tools for building a more sustainable future.